Abstract: The inventors have determined that increasing the expression level or activity of FKBP-L polypeptide in a subject, which can be provided by expression of nucleic acids encoding FKBP-L or by providing FKBP-L polypeptides to a subject is advantageous for use in the treatment of obesity and obesity-related disorders. In particular increased expression or activity of FKBP-L polypeptide in a subject may be used to treat excessive weight gain (which can be characterised as obesity), glucose intolerance, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which are closely linked to obesity and insulin resistance. FKBP-L can also be used as a biomarker for obesity and obesity-related disorders.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of tendinopathies, such as tenosynovitis, tendinosis or tendinitis, including Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis or “tennis elbow,” medial epicondylitis or “golfer's elbow,” plantar fasciitis, and rotator cuff tendinopathy, and in particular to methods for the treatment of tendinopathies by administering compositions comprising platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an Autologous Bone Graft Substitute composition (ABGS) for inducing new bone formation, promoting bone growth and treating of bone defect, a preparation method of the Autologous Bone Graft Substitute composition, and a kit for preparing the Autologous Bone Graft Substitute composition of implant. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to an injectable/extrudable/implantable Autologous Bone Graft Substitute composition for use in treatment of bone defects, inducing new bone formation and promoting bone growth for bone fracture healing, spinal fusions and to repair bone defects in bone reconstructive procedures of orthopedic and oral maxillofacial-dental surgeries.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of tendinopathies, such as tenosynovitis, tendinosis or tendinitis, including Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis or “tennis elbow,” medial epicondylitis or “golfer's elbow,” plantar fasciitis, and rotator cuff tendinopathy, and in particular to methods for the treatment of tendinopathies by administering compositions comprising platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting the growth of Gram-negative and/or Gram-positive bacteria and pharmaceutical compositions for treating infections of such bacteria in humans and animals are provided. An exemplary method for inhibiting the growth of Gram-negative and/or Gram-positive bacteria includes contacting the bacteria or an environment containing the bacteria with a combination of bacitracin and a gallate ester. An exemplary pharmaceutical composition includes bacitracin and a gallate ester.

Abstract: Provided is a method of causing a cell to migrate to a scaffold. Also provided is a method of treating a mammal that has a tissue defect. Further provided is a tissue scaffold comprising platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Additionally, a method of making a tissue scaffold capable of recruiting a cell is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptide from 4 to 50 amino acids comprising a phosphorylated pYX1X2X1 motif (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein each X1 independently is M or Nle and X2 is any amino acid, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said peptide and use thereof for treating cancer.

Abstract: Biodegradable triblock copolymer compositions are provided which are useful in tissue engineering and drug delivery. The copolymers are reverse thermal gels in that when heated from a lower temperature to a higher temperature, they gel. These gels are useful in drug delivery when complexed with an active agent. For example the compositions can be used for intraocular injection of active agents, such as anti-angiogenic agents for treatment of a maculopathy or retinitis.

Abstract: Methods for managing osteoarthritis, in a human or other mammalian subject, comprising the measurement of certain cytokines and growth factors in a tissue sample of a subject, including one or more of platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB), platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Tissue samples may be whole blood, blood fractions, urine, saliva, and synovial fluid. Methods include diagnosing osteoarthritis, and methods for assessing the severity of osteoarthritis, such as in subject that have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis using radiographic or other methods. Methods may also include comparison of measured cytokine levels to a reference level. Methods of managing the clinical progression of osteoarthritis include initiating a clinical action based on the difference between the measured cytokine level and a reference level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fusion protein comprising a skin-penetrating peptide, a polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein, an expression vector comprising the polynucleotide, a transformant comprising the expression vector, a method for preparing the fusion protein, a cosmetic composition for improving skin conditions, which comprises the fusion protein, and a pharmaceutical composition for external skin use, which comprises the fusion protein. The fusion protein of the invention comprises a skin-penetrating peptide bound to a physiologically active protein. The fusion protein significantly enhances the skin penetration and skin retention of the physiologically active protein while maintaining or enhancing the ability of the physiologically active protein to synthesize a material showing physiologically active effects. Thus, it can be widely used as an active ingredient in functional cosmetic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions for external skin use.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to fibrin sealants, which contain platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) for controlled release in situ for therapeutic applications, including musculoskeletal disorders, soft tissue disorders and vascular diseases.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions, methods, and devices for delivering angiogenic factors and signaling molecules to a target tissue, and controlling the release of these factors and signaling molecules to spatially and temporally restrict their release and dissemination, for the purpose of promoting angiogenesis in target tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to treat or prevent posterior capsular opacification. The method comprises administering a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one kinase inhibitor. The kinase inhibitor inhibits p38 kinases, ERK kinases, and/or Src family kinases. The invention also provides an ocular device coated with at least one kinase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a controlled drug release carrier formed by using a silk fibroin porous material, which has high drug controlled release rate, controllability of the drug controlled release speed, high strength, easy handleability, skin care properties from high biocompatibility, high water retentivity, and capability of efficiently retaining a drug.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are heretofore undescribed preparations of highly concentrated, solubilized proteins, such as but not limited to, Bone Morphogenetic Proteins. Such protein preparations can be formulated in an aqueous carrier at protein concentrations in excess of 10 mg/ml when using the methods of manufacture taught herein. Such methods yield stable protein preparations in either solubilized or lyophilized form. The protein preparations of the present invention are particularly beneficial when administered either locally or systemically, in part, because low administration volumes can be accomplished. This is especially important for local treatment of certain anatomic locations such as, for example, the synovial fluid of a joint when treating osteoarthritis with BMP-7 or the intradiscal space when treating degenerative disc disease with BMP-7.

Abstract: Provided herein are growth factor concentrates, cosmetic compositions and methods for cosmetic treatment. The growth factor concentrates comprise decapsulated growth factors derived from platelet rich plasma.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel bioabsorbable and biodegradable monomer compounds, bioabsorbable and biodegradable polymers therefrom, and methods of making such monomers and polymers, which are useful in pharmaceutical delivery systems, tissue engineering applications, tissue adhesives products, implantable medical devices, foams and reticulated foams for wound healing and drug delivery, bone hemostats and bone void fillers, adhesion prevention barriers, meshes, filters, stents, medical device coatings, pharmaceutical drug formulations, consumer product and cosmetic and pharmaceutical packaging, apparel, infusion devices, blood collection tubes and devices, other medical tubes, skin care products, and transdermal drug delivery materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an in situ-forming, bioadhesive hydrogel and the medical uses thereof. Being formed by in situ crosslinking through an enzymatic reaction, the hydrogel has an advantage over conventional bioadhesive hydrogels in terms of biocompatibility. In addition, the in situ-forming bioadhesive hydrogel has excellent biocompatibility and mechanical strength and has excellent tissue adhesiveness thanks to modification with/without dopa derivatives. The hydrogel finds a variety of applications in the biomedical field, including bioadhesives or hemostats, implant substances for tissue regeneration and augmentation, carriers for delivering biologically active materials or drugs, etc.

Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention describes materials and methods for the local reprogramming of cells in a location where the treatment is applied. The invention can be used to replace lost cells or to restore function to tissue damaged due to disease, injury or genetic defect. In various embodiments, the treatment includes a semisolid hydrogel embedded with liposomes. The liposomes can contain an effector molecule or molecules. When phagocytic cells such as monocytes infiltrate the hydrogel, they encounter the liposomes and incorporate the liposomes carrying the effector molecules into the cells. In some embodiments, the effector molecules can be genetic material encoding the expression of specific proteins such as transcription factors, the expression of which can initiate the reprogramming of the cells. In other embodiments, the effector molecules can induce angiogenesis. In other embodiments, the effector molecules are tumor antigens.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a stable composition comprising growth factors, which may include platelet derived growth factors and transforming growth factors. The method comprises providing human umbilical cord blood plasma containing platelets, but substantially free of whole blood cells, and lysing the platelets to extrude growth factors into the plasma. The plasma may be obtained from multiple donors and pooled to form a homologous plasma mixture. In another embodiment, the growth factors are encapsulated in a liposome formed by a lipid bilayer, wherein the resulting composition remains stable and viable for at least 30 months. The present invention is also directed to the composition produced by the methods of the present invention and the process of applying the composition to a skin defect or wound.

Abstract: A bone implant primer is provided. A biodegradable hydrogel component is provided. A plurality of biomolecule release depots are dispersed within the biodegradable hydrogel component wherein the plurality of biomolecule release depots comprise biomolecules for aiding implant osseointegration or biomolecules for mitigation of foreign body response. Different biomolecules may be released by the microspheres at different times.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of promoting bone healing by locally administering a vanadium-based insulin mimetic agent to a patient in need thereof. The invention also provides a new use of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds for manufacture of medicaments for accelerating bone-healing processes. In addition, the invention also encompasses a bone injury treatment kit suitable for localized administration of insulin-mimetic vanadium compounds or compositions thereof to a patient in need of such treatment.

Abstract: A structure of, and a method of producing, a biocompatible structure for bone and tissue regeneration are disclosed. The method includes dissolving a polyurethane polymer in methanol, adding hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles to form a uniformly distributed mixture, applying the mixture to a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface to form a polymer film, cutting the polymer film into strips, stacking the strips with layers of bone particles disposed therebetween, coating the stacked strips and layers by the mixture and allowing it to dry, adding bone particles to the coating, and plasma treating the structure to form the biocompatible structure. A weight percentage of the HAP nanoparticles to the polymer is about 5-50% such that a resorption rate of the biocompatible structure substantially matches a rate of tissue generation in the biocompatible structure.

Abstract: As the percentage of senior citizens increases at the present time, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic which can maintain the skin in a healthy state by preventing damage to the skin that accompanies aging, more specifically, discoloration and wrinkling, is very safe, does not pose ethical problems, and can be supplied in a sufficient amount. The present invention provides a cosmetic that comprises as the main component a powder of the supernatant produced by culturing the bone marrow or dental pulp stem cells of a nonhuman mammal. Moreover, provided is a method for ion introduction for protein by which the cosmetic is introduced by ion introduction.

Abstract: A radiation protection device for providing protection of a body part that includes active bone marrow from ionizing radiation may include a radiation protection component configured to be placed adjacent to and externally cover the body part so as to reduce a radiation dose absorbed in that body part.

Abstract: The claimed invention provides a fusion polypeptide comprising a fibrous protein domain and a mineralization domain. The fusion is used to form an organic-inorganic composite. These organic-inorganic composites can be constructed from the nano- to the macro-scale depending on the size of the fibrous protein fusion domain used. In one embodiment, the composites can also be loaded with other compounds (e.g., dyes, drugs, enzymes) depending on the goal for the materials, to further enhance function. This can be achieved during assembly of the material or during the mineralization step in materials formation.

Abstract: Connective tissue regenerative compositions and methods of repairing and regenerating connective tissue using such compositions are provided. The compositions generally comprise a bioactive hydrogel matrix comprising a polypeptide, such as gelatin, and a long chain carbohydrate, such as dextran. The hydrogel matrix may further include polar amino acids, as well as additional beneficial additives. Advantageously, the compositions include further components, such as osteoinductive or osteoconductive materials, medicaments, stem or progenitor cells, and three-dimensional structural frameworks. The compositions are useful for regenerating connective tissue, and can be administered to an area having injury to, or a loss of, connective tissue, such as bone, cartilage, tendon, and ligament.

Abstract: Methods of promoting bone healing or regeneration by locally administering insulin mimetic agents to patients in need thereof and new uses of insulin-mimetic compounds for accelerating bone-healing processes are disclosed. Bone injury treatment and void filler devices, products and kit suitable for local administration of insulin-mimetic agents or compositions thereof to patients in need of such treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of tendon and ligament injuries and/or repair of damaged tendons and ligament. The invention provides compositions comprising a biocompatible matrix and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting fusion of bones in spine fusion procedures. In some embodiments, a method of performing a spine fusion procedure comprises providing a composition comprising PDGF disposed in a biocompatible matrix and applying the composition to a site of desired spine fusion.

Abstract: Synthetic, bioactive ultra-porous bone graft materials having an engineered porosity, and implants formed from such materials are provided. In particular, these implants comprise bioactive glass and incorporate allograft material for osteoinduction. The implants are suitable for bone tissue regeneration and/or repair.

Abstract: Methods of stimulating collagen production, including stimulation of chondrocyte production, at the site of a defect. Methods include administering to the site of a defect at least two proteins from the group IL-1ra, sTNF-RI, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-?1, and sIL-1RII.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “CFS” compositions), including novel sustained-release cellular factor-containing solution compositions (referred to herein as “SR-CFS” compositions), methods of making such novel compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved Lyophilized platelet rich plasma used to make a platelet gel wound healant, and methods of preparation and use thereof for healing wounds are disclosed. The improved wound healant comprises therapeutically effective amounts of activated growth factors, platelet ghost, plasma (know as the plasma back bone), white blood cells with optional none, one or more additional anti-oxidant such as vitamin A and/or C and/or E, and/or none one or more antibiotics and/or GHK-Cu (produced by ProCyte Inc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isocyanate-free multi-component system, in particular for medical uses such as foamable wound coverings, with at least two separate components, wherein the first component comprises at least one alkoxysilane-terminated prepolymer and the second component comprises an aqueous component, wherein the aqueous component is a polyurethane dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and related methods for treating fistulas such as anal or recto-vaginal fistulas, in particular by the use of a seton to secure a tissue growth promoter such as a growth factor and/or fibrin. The various devices are particularly suitable for positioning tissue growth promoters securely within a fistula. Thus, one device comprises a seton and a tissue growth promoter. Further related aspects of the invention included devices comprising an enclosure provided in between portions of a seton, devices comprising a seton and a plurality of holes for enabling the device to be sutured to tissue, devices comprising a probe and a seton that are releasably connectable end-to-end, devices comprising an attachment device to secure the ends of a seton, and devices comprising a fistula plug adapted to be secured to a section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of implanting a sterile, active agent-coated material comprising contacting a sterile implant with a sterile active agent or active agent solution to form a sterile, active agent-coated implant and, at most a relatively short time after forming the active agent-loaded sterile implant, implanting the active agent-loaded sterile implant into a subject such as a mammal or a human.

Abstract: Described herein is a cell tissue gel cross-linked with a cross-linking agent, and a quenching agent bound to a reactive group of the cross-linking agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are an artificial dura mater and manufacturing method thereof. The artificial dura mater includes electrospun layers prepared by electrostatic spinning, at least one of which is a hydrophobic electrospun layer. Further, above the hydrophobic electrospun layer, there can be at least one hydrophilic electrospun layer. A transition layer can be further included between the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers. Additionally, cytokines and/or medicines can be affixed to either or both of the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers, by way of bio-printing. The disclosed artificial dura mater shows good biocompatibility, enhances dural tissue regeneration, achieves excellent repairing effects, prevents adhesion, allows complete absorption, has good mechanical properties, ensures low infection rates, and can be loaded with therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for treating oral diseases in a subject. This method comprises the following steps; diagnosing the subject, and choosing one or a combination of medications, their dosing and desired time course and then delivering the medications to the desired site in the periodontal pocket by administering a plurality of microcapsules, capsules, the microcapsules comprising one or more pharmaceutical agent(s) that are released in a predetermined manner and in accordance with the pathophysiology of the targeted disease.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating blood-neural barrier (BNB) for the treatment of CNS conditions such as edema, and for increased drug delivery efficacy across the BNB. The present invention further relates to improved tPA treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular and related diseases in combination with antagonism of the PDGF signaling pathway. The inventive method and composition is particularly suitable for conjunctive therapy of ischemic stroke using tPA and an anti-PDGF-C antagonist or an anti-PDGFR-? antagonist.

Abstract: There is provided a composition for controlling formation and/or stabilization of a blood vessel comprising a first isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes a FGF-9 polypeptide and optionally one or more isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes another angiogenic polypeptide. There is provided a composition for controlling formation and/or stabilization of a blood vessel comprising administering an effective amount of a composition comprising an isolated FGF-9 polypeptide and one or more other angiogenic polypeptides. The compositions provided herein may be useful for controlling angiogenesis and/or vasculogenesis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a viral inactivated biological liquid or dry mixture and to its preparation. Principally, the invention relates, but is not limited, to a mixture derived from a platelet source.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for increasing transport of GDNF across the blood brain barrier while allowing its activity to remain substantially intact. The GDNF is transported across the blood brain barrier via one or more endogenous receptor-mediated transport systems.

Abstract: An aligned polymer article including substrates, wherein the substrates are not covalently bonded to the aligned collagen and a method of forming such articles wherein substrates are mixed with a polymer in solution to form a polymer-substrate mixture. The mixture is placed in an electrochemical cell and a voltage is applied to the cell generating a pH gradient, wherein the polymer aligns in the cell and migrates to the isoelectric plane of the polymer solution.

Abstract: A synthetic, flexible tissue matrix and methods for repairing hyaline cartilage defects in a joint using the flexible tissue matrix are described. The flexible tissue matrix includes a high molecular weight polycaprolactone polymer entangled with a polysaccharide such as hyaluronic acid. In the methods, autologous bone mesenchymal stem cells are introduced to a joint by a microfracturing technique, and a membrane made of the flexible matrix is applied to the joint. Cartilage which forms in the joint is hyaline cartilage rather than fibrocartilage.

Abstract: Injectable depot compositions are provided that include a bioerodible, biocompatible polymer, a solvent having a miscibility in water of less than or equal to 7 wt. % at 25° C., in an amount effective to plasticize the polymer and form a gel therewith, a thixotropic agent, and a beneficial agent. The solvent comprises an aromatic alcohol, an ester of an aromatic acid, an aromatic ketone, or mixtures thereof. The compositions have substantially improved the shear thinning behavior and reduced injection force, rendering the compositions readily implanted beneath a patients body surface by injection.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel therapeutic agent and a novel treatment method for cancer. Specifically disclosed are: a targeting agent for a cell selected from the group consisting of a cancer cell and a cancer-associated fibroblast, which comprises a retinoid; a substance delivery carrier for the cell, which comprises the targeting agent; an anti-cancer composition utilizing the targeting agent or the carrier; an anti cancer-associated fibroblast composition; and a method for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides hydrogels and methods for their use in treating disorders of the retina such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Abstract: A porous object includes a porous material having internal pore surfaces and external pore surfaces. Releasing material encapsulated biomolecules are immobilized on at least one of the internal pore surfaces, at least one of the external pore surfaces, or combinations thereof.